Fat guy on a little bike....

[jfinstrom]

So I am a big dude 6'4'' 320# and ride an 06 GS500f. I have been looking to dump the bike due to my size. I like to say in group rides I am over weight and under powered. On that note I don't do as many group rides as I would like to due to the facts previously mentioned. Someone posted a comment in another thread to drop the front sprocket down a tooth and it will help get all my sexy fatness up hill. That said I think I can stay in this bike if I build it for said fatness. I have upgraded the front springs and keep the pre-load set for 2 up riding as I figure I equal two average Asians. When I do my chain I am going to change the front sprocket to a 15T and I was thinking about changing the throttle to a 1/5th for comfort. Any other suggested mods to make his as peppy as the cruisers with the extra baggage.

Thanks

[tt_four]

A lot of people who want to lift the tail of their bike a little will put a longer shock on their bike. I know the old yellow sv650 shock was supposed to lift the tail about 2 inches. I would think if you did something like that, it might help keep the bike at the normal height when you were sitting on it. Basically you just want to try to get the suspension stiff. Most nicer bikes have the benefit of a pretty adjustable suspension, which the GS doesn't have.

Going down to a 15 or even 14t sprocket will definitely give it a little more pickup. I'd say see what you can do with the suspension, and see how the gearing change works out. If it still doesn't satisfy you you could look into a bike with a stronger motor. I don't ride in groups much anymore, so it doesn't bug me, but I definitely remember riding with people on much faster bikes, and it can leave a bit to be desired.

[jfinstrom]

I know allot of stuff on here is for older E models but are sv650 parts pretty much direct swap?

[PachmanP]

I don't think a lot of sv parts swap without a little work. You could try a katana shock which is a direct swap if you just want something stiffer.

You could always ride with other gs'ers and be slow together.

[tt_four]

Yeah you have a couple options for shocks, the katana is one, the other is the red 06-07 R6 shock that has a bit of adjustment in the settings. You can also put stiffer springs and heavier fork oil in the forks.

[jrains89]

honestly with your weight i would suggest a more powerful bike. you have roughly 16.36 pounds per horsepower. I'm 6'1" and weigh 165 that's 12.8 pounds per horsepower, and i feel sometimes that the bike is underpowered. I imagine that everyday riding is much harder for you with that much of a lower power to weight ratio.

[johnny ro]

don't expect too much on the power even with downgearing. You can get the suspension where you want it though. My kat shock raised rear, and the spring is far stronger.

Maybe try riding with harleys?

[Electrojake]

So I am a big dude 6'4'' 320# and ride an 06 GS500f. I have been looking to dump the bike due to my size. I like to say in group rides I am over weight and under powered.

I see that your weight has you pre occupied but how about the height issue?
Six foot Four?
I'm 6'3" and find that after about two hours of being folded up like a tight version of the letter K, I start considering dangling my feet at 70 MPH. I can only stay folded up for so long and then I absolutely gotta' stretch out.

And as for not keeping up with the group. . .
I'm a measly 190 pounds and on a GS, not being able to keep-up is part of the tradition.

Interesting post jfin!
-Ej-

[ACDNate]

honestly with your weight i would suggest a more powerful bike. you have roughly 16.36 pounds per horsepower. I'm 6'1" and weigh 165 that's 12.8 pounds per horsepower, and i feel sometimes that the bike is underpowered. I imagine that everyday riding is much harder for you with that much of a lower power to weight ratio.

Bah! After years on much more powerful bikes I rode around a Hyosung GT250 with 24hp at the rear wheel, for around 10k miles. I 6'3" tall and weigh in at 235lbs.

[intergalactic]

see my sig.

GSXR rear shock helped as did front springs. I am not 230, but I bet I carry 40lb of crap in tank and tail bags. Plus a 10+lb Aerostitch and 180lb of me.

[tt_four]

Yeah, keeping up with sportbikes isn't really what the GS is for. It's definitely about who you're riding with, how they ride, and what they're on. I used to ride with a lot of people when I had my last bike, but I think I'll probably just stick to riding by myself, or riding with other people on similar bikes until I get around to finding another bike someday. You've also gotta remember that worse than the feeling of not being able to keep up is the feeling of what happens when you try too hard to keep up. I've seen plenty of crashed bikes from people who thought they had to keep up with faster riders. You definitely don't want to take it out of your comfort zone.

[burnymcstalls]

I'm 6'4 and 315, so I'm definetly rolling tubby on my 500, but I also realize that being my second season, I'll problably kill myself if I go any higher without experience. Honestly, I fit on my GS just fine, except I wish my suspension was more stiff, and i'm going to be going to progressive springs and a gsxr600 shock soon.

upgrade if you want, but if I can fit on this, and be confortable 90% of the time, then I think anyone can.

[jfinstrom]

Sadly, I was rolling with Harley and other cruisers and had the only sport type bike.  Funny people always askk me if my bike is fast because it looks like it must be.... I say maybe with another rider Anyway the cruisers all have the lower gearing so once I catch up I can keep up but off the line I get smoked. I don't even attempt to hang with other sport bikes as I figure it would be a total loss. That said I will hang with Ninja riders 

[Electrojake]

My 2 cents worth
As a fellow rookie (2 years), I think the problem may be the "group ride" issue and not the GS500 itself. It seems the GS and it's lackluster performance should help to eliminate stress, not make it worse. 
As I commute back & forth to work every day (gaining experience) I find that simply navigating the insane vehicular traffic and complex surface conditions is stressful enough without having to factor in several other bikes in the mix. I think a group ride would simply overwhelm my skill level at this early stage.

It's fascinating that you fellows ride with Harleys & heavy cruisers. Sounds pretty cool.
And yes, I would agree. A nice big V-twin would probably be exactly what you big guys need. Lots of low end torque and a heck of a lot more comfort than a GS500.
Quite a unique thread here.
Good stuff.

[Chanse]

Im about 270ish.... Ive done lots to mine but once you start you'll never stop.... rejet, K&N lunchbox, and gsxr 1100 shock were probably the best upgrades I did. But the  shock was a pain in the ARSE to fit..... Nice and stiff now though. I'd love to come across an old school pan head or shovel head and rat-rod it out though.

[ohgood]

So I am a big dude 6'4'' 320# and ride an 06 GS500f. I have been looking to dump the bike due to my size. I like to say in group rides I am over weight and under powered. On that note I don't do as many group rides as I would like to due to the facts previously mentioned. Someone posted a comment in another thread to drop the front sprocket down a tooth and it will help get all my sexy fatness up hill. That said I think I can stay in this bike if I build it for said fatness. I have upgraded the front springs and keep the pre-load set for 2 up riding as I figure I equal two average Asians. When I do my chain I am going to change the front sprocket to a 15T and I was thinking about changing the throttle to a 1/5th for comfort. Any other suggested mods to make his as peppy as the cruisers with the extra baggage.

Thanks

me - 6'4" 235

i look like a huge purple and yellow bug with a headlight when i rode the gs. no, really.

i'd suggest 1- loosing some pounds; 2- upgrading your suspension springs on both ends 3- dropping to a 15t front cog


what, no mention of a bigger bike, or stuff ? well, i don't see a point. a guy / gal as tall and wide as you isn't going to just fit on any bike other than a fatboy or roadking. those things make andre the giant look like a wee elf. you'll love the gs just as much if you upgrade it, and starting off will be smoother. a sv650 is the next logical step, or maybe a big concours.

if you drop to 14t front, you'll wheelie, and it won't be pretty.

keep in mind, it only raises your cruising rpm's by 600 or so rpm @ 70 mph. once you're moving, it's barely noticable. truthfully, it just means you start moving without slipping the clutch for say... oh.... 1/2 a second less or so. assuming your clutch is adjusted correctly, and it's not glazed, and you don't have some nasty 'energy conserving' oil in the case that makes the clutch slip all the time.

[ohgood]

oh, group rides:

they're fun and all, but i guess i'm a loner. or loser. whichever. after watching someone fall/drop/slide on every single ride down in florida, i quit riding groups. well, there were one or two i would watch for that were newbie friendly, sane speeds, and FUN routes. those i would join, but the regular standard / sport bike groups i skipped. if you're into group rides, by all means drop a tooth, upgrade your brake pads, and upgrade your suspension. stickier tires will help also. keep plenty of room between you and the other goons, as someone will make an error eventually, and you don't want to mix it up with them in the dirt.

welcome to gstwins a little late. didn't recognize your nickname.

ride safe !

[mister]

In our group rides we have some rules...

- Ride Your Own Ride at a pace you feel comfortable with
- No-one overtakes the ride leader
- If you cannot Suddenly see the rider behind you, stop
- If you're corner marker remain their until the tailend charlie comes along and gives you the all clear to move off
- If you need to leave the ride, let the tailend charlie know (so he can inform the ride leader) or let the ride leader know directly

BUT, we also have ride leaders who keep the pace down on the wide open roads, and on the twisties that scream "hammer me", they allow "those who desire" to pass them Before the twisties but to rejoin at a predetermined spot.

This applies for a dozen or more bikes.

On the smaller rides - maybe half dozen bikes - we don't need to corner mark. BUT, we still have the "ride your own ride" rule. Because we don't want Anyone to feel pressure to keep up because they might feel they're slowing others down.

Last ride I lead a fellow came up to me at morning tea stop before the twsities and said he didn't like the twisties cause sometimes people crowded him. I told him to ignore the other riders and to ride his own pace he felt comfortable with. If they don't like it they can pass.

Well, as I'd given the OK to pass me for those who so desired, and I Knew in advance which riders would do it - I've ridden with these people heaps so I know who likes to attack twisties and who doesn't - I wasn't surprised when the usual suspects went by. One of the other riders had mentioned she wanted to go with them and they were most welcome for another in the Faster Group, but even then she rode her own ride and told me they were too experienced for her and she let them ride off instead of pushing beyond her limits to keep up. Anyway, they guy who had concerns also went by me!? Maybe he felt, as ride leader I'd keep the pace a little down to keep the others together and in sight of me - and if so, he was right.

The Pace of the ride is set by the ride leader. But regardless of it, each riders needs to ride at their own pace. Riding their own ride. If the other riders do not respect that, find someone else to ride with.

Michael

[Electrojake]

In our group rides we have some rules...
- Ride Your Own Ride at a pace you feel comfortable with
- No-one overtakes the ride leader
- If you cannot Suddenly see the rider behind you, stop
- If you're corner marker remain their until the tailend charlie comes along and gives you the all clear to move off
- If you need to leave the ride, let the tailend charlie know (so he can inform the ride leader) or let the ride leader know directly
Michael

O.K. Since we blew the Fat Guy on a Mini Bike topic out of the water lets talk rider training here. . .

I'm a GS500 commuter, not a biker.
Here in New Jersey there are no twisties, Just insane traffic on a dangerously overcrowded, antiquated infrastructure. The airports, seaports, NJ Turnpike, the G.W.B., Holland tunnel, and lots of heavy fast moving commercial traffic.
(you get the picture)
Riding from my quaint Central Jersey home to Hoboken or Manhattan is akin to juggling chainsaws with a hand grenade in your teeth. I wouldn't say it's stressful but I have kissed the ground on occasion when I arrived at work.
(Mind you, I'm a 2 year rookie here. I probably stress too easy)

Getting back on topic sorta. . .
When you guys "group ride" do you practice?
Is there a routine you guys work out before hitting the road?
How do you discipline some sort of formation?
And you mentioned:
"If you're corner marker remain their until the tailend charlie comes along and gives you the all clear to move off"
What the heck does that mean?

Thanks in advance for any input on this.
Yeah, its off topic but this group ride thing needs to detailed a little better.
(at least for us rookies)
-Ej-

[mister]

When you guys "group ride" do you practice?
Is there a routine you guys work out before hitting the road?
How do you discipline some sort of formation?
And you mentioned:
"If you're corner marker remain their until the tailend charlie comes along and gives you the all clear to move off"
What the heck does that mean?

Thanks in advance for any input on this.
Yeah, its off topic but this group ride thing needs to detailed a little better.
(at least for us rookies)
-Ej-

The formation is a Staggered Formation. Like this...

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This keeps the group tighter. Plus gives good vision from the bike in front of you - your line - in case they Signal an obstacle.

Now, some people prefer riding closer to the center line, others prefer the curb side. So occasionally you will get two bikes, one behind the other, without a another bike to create a stagger. In this case it is ok for the following bike to move into a staggered position as the formation is forming after getting going. But, if you're ten minutes up the road and it happens, then just deal with it and do Not move to the other side of the lane to create a stagger. Cause if you do, then everyone else behind you needs to make that same adjustment.

There is no Practice as such. Want to ride with us, come on one of our rides. Introduce yourself to the ride leader. If you feel uncomfortable in such a formation, ride at the rear where it won't matter as much and so you can See what goes on. Or, catch another rider on the road and ride with them in a stagger.

There is no need to Discipline the formation. They maintain it because if they do something stupid they will be told quick time by the riders around them. The formation is the safest way for the group to ride, and we all have an interest in keeping safe and so maintain it without the need for discipline.

Tailend Charlie & Corner Marking

Each group ride has a Ride Leader and a Tailend Charlie (person at the back of the group). Due to the varying abilities of those within a group, when bends are encountered the group spreads out. Twenty bikes with only a 2 second gap between each, means there is a 40 second gap from front to rear. Traveling at 100kph, this means the group is actually spread out over 1km (lets call it a mile). So if the guy in front turns off those behind might not see it. So we need a way to let people know a turn has been made. Corner marker.

The corner marker is usually the person 2nd from the front. In an experienced group they know where they need to be and the ride leader can just keep riding. For the lest experienced the ride leader makes a decision on Where this rider needs to be to alert the other riders to a turn. So let's say you're making a right turn (in the USA). Then, if it is safe to do so, the 2nd rider front the front will pull up just before the corner with their right indicator on. This lets those behind know they need to turn right here.

If a left turn is made (USA) they will either pull up on the right, but signal left. or they will make the turn, pull up immediately on the right so they are visible to the riders approaching the turn and face in the direction the bikes should go.

They must wait there Until the last person in the group - identified to everyone during the Ride Brief given by the ride leader - arrives and signals to move on. A hand wave, horn beep, etc.

This tailend charlie's job isn't just to tell corner markers to ride on. If someone pulls up for any reason, they lend assistance while the rest of the ride continues. For instance...

This video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg6jTCuOe8Q shows a lot of corner marking and how we have the corner marker rejoin Infront of the tailend - not after, then try to overtake. As I was part of the pre-ride team (a small group who do a trial run of the route to gather information - road conditions, timings, fuel stops, etc), I knew the route and it made sense for me to be Tailend Charlie. They guy you see on the red Goldwing rode right past a corner marker. I had to fetch him. It's that corner marker you see overtake me - he was having a personal pitstop so we kept riding.

Our first stop was after two hours and was a tad over 100 miles. Next stop was going to be more than another 100 miles further. Everyone had been told to fill-her-up at the first stop. Repeatedly. But, one guy did not. Whilst coming down from some ranges he suddenly slowed. The bikes behind him went around and from my position I could see he was fiddling with his petcock. He kept riding. And first one shanty town we came to he pull up. As Tailend Charlie I pulled up too to find out what was wrong. I followed him until either he ran out, at which point he becomes my pillion and we get fuel - or - he finds fuel. he found fuel.

Normally, tailend would stay. BUT, this road only went one place and he couldn't miss us 25 miles further up, so I rode to catch the back of the group.

A couple of rides back, one guy got a flat. As tailend I stopped. A few others did too. We reinflated his tire with foam and one person rode home with him while the rest rode on. Corner markers still waiting for us. Ten minutes!

Hope that helps some. If you have any other questions about group riding, or I've been vague in some way, let me know.

Michael